The Medicinal Fenugreek or Methi

Fenugreek is an annual plant. Its leaves and seeds are a common ingredient in Indian dishes. From centuries, fenugreek has been in the Indian culinary scene. The seeds of fenugreek are used in the preparation of dals, parathas (flat bread), sambar (a vegetable stew), and also pickles.

A powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, protein, fibre, iron, and potassium etc., fenugreek is known for its medicinal properties.

Discussed below are a few health benefits of fenugreek:

Fenugreek alleviates PMS (premenstrual syndrome)

Eat a diet which comprises of leafy fenugreek during the days of your menstrual cycle. The estrogen-simulating property of Diogenin and isoflavones present in fenugreek helps alleviate your menstrual cramps as well as helps you with your mood swings. A diet rich in fenugreek can also supplement the iron loss during your menstrual cycle.

Fenugreek and the male hormone testosterone

According to an Australian research team, it was found that consumption of fenugreek seeds assists you to maintain a healthy testosterone level and thus enhancing libido. Testofen 600 mg which is an extract of fenugreek was tried on 70-80 healthy males. Their ages were between 25 to 50 years. Two tablets each were given to these healthy subjects at random with placebos for nearly two months. The result was amazing. It was found that subjects who took Testofan had an increased libido as well as orgasm compared to those healthy males who took placebos.

Fenugreek and nursing mothers

Fenugreek boosts the production of breast milk. Nursing mothers can help themselves to a glass of herbal tea containing fenugreek seeds; this will enhance production of their breast milk as well as help their infants gain weight. Excess use of fenugreek is not advisable. It is best to ask your doctor before you start on this concoction.

Fenugreek aids in weight lose

You can chew fenugreek seeds soaked in water on an empty stomach in the morning to lose weight. Consumption of the swollen soluble fiber present in fenugreek helps you feel full and suppresses your appetite.

Fenugreek and Diabetics

Consumption of fenugreek helps your body with the secretion of insulin during any hyperglycemic episodes. The secretion of insulin is triggered by an amino acid present in fenugreek, and galactomannan, another soluble fiber found in fenugreek, facilitates the slow absorption of sugar. To prevent diabetes onset, drink a concoction made from two teaspoons of powdered fenugreek seeds added to a glass of milk.

Fenugreek and digestion

Fenugreek seeds possess mucilage which helps in soothing away heartburn or acid reflux by having a cooling effect on the stomach and intestinal lining. Researchers conducted a 2-week study on selected individuals with severe heartburn. They were allowed to take soaked fenugreek seeds 30 minutes before every meal. It was found the severity of their heartburn became less and less, thus aiding in digestion. Fenugreek intake flushes out harmful toxins and also helps with constipation.

Fenugreek and Cholesterol

Saponins (amphipathic glycosides) present in fenugreek prevents your body from absorbing cholesterol from the fatty foods you consume. The saponins in fenugreek is also known to reduce LDL cholesterol.

Fenugreek boosts immunity

Try this. Soak few fenugreek seeds in water, keep it overnight, and drink the concoction the next morning. Try this regularly. It will boost your immune system.

Fenugreek prevents cancer

Add a daily diet rich in fenugreek like Dals, parathas, and vegetable stew. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of fenugreek helps guard your body against free radicals. Fenugreek acts as a barrier to cancer.

Fenugreek and heart problems

The leafy fenugreek contains potassium and galactomannan. Galactomannan and potassium helps control heart rate as well as blood pressure thus lowering the risk for a heart attack. Consume a diet rich in leafy fenugreek or seeds to maintain a healthy heart.

Fenugreek and pimples

Pimples are a girl’s nightmare. Apply the paste made from grinded fenugreek or methi leaves with little water to the face at night, sleep off, and wash it off the next morning with lukewarm water. This prevents you from getting the dreaded pimples.

Fenugreek seeds boiled in water for 20 minutes, cooled and strained, if applied to acne scars with the help of clean cotton ball will have your scars fade away.

Fenugreek and Hair fall

Add curd to water soaked fenugreek seeds, make a paste, and apply this to your scalp to remain there for at least an hour or more. Use cold water to wash it off. Do this regularly. Fenugreek maintains hormonal balance in the body thereby preventing hair fall.

Fenugreek and scalp itchiness

Soak fenugreek in water during the night. Strain the solution and rinse your hair with this solution in the morning. The antibacterial property of fenugreek alleviates scalp itchiness.

NOTE: Fenugreek taken in excess will cause internal bleeding, premature contraction in pregnant ladies, also inflammation and allergic reactions.

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